Michael Edwards returns to Liverpool - sporting director hire also close
- Liverpool welcome back Michael Edwards in new role
- Former sporting director will return in grander capacity
- Ex-Bournemouth chief Richard Hughes in line for sporting director job
By Sean Walsh
Michael Edwards will return to Liverpool after agreeing terms with club owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) to become their CEO of football.
Liverpool are on the hunt for a new sporting director following Jorg Schmadtke's departure at the end of the January transfer window and quickly sounded out Edwards, who took on the role with great success between 2016 and 2022 having spent a further five years working behind the scenes.
90min revealed last month FSG touched base with Edwards over a return on a consultancy basis, but he was not interested. However, he was open to coming back to Anfield if his role was upscaled.
The Times were first to report on Tuesday that Edwards has now agreed to 'head football operations' at Liverpool and it has now been confirmed as FSG's CEO of football.
FSG president Mike Gordon said in a statement: "Michael is one of the most formidable executive talents in world football... He returns to us in a role with greater seniority than he held previously and with a wider remit."
Edwards will now look to finalise the appointment of Richard Hughes, who recently confirmed his exit from Bournemouth, as Liverpool's new sporting director, with this transaction 'considered a formality'.
Together, Edwards and Hughes will be tasked with appointing a new manager to replace the outgoing Jurgen Klopp, who will step down at the end of the season.
90min previously reported Xabi Alonso is the frontrunner for the job and top of a shortlist featuring seven contenders, though Liverpool have been determined to sort out the sporting director situation before proceeding with the managerial appointment. The Reds are also unconcerned by rival interest in the Bayer Leverkusen boss from Bayern Munich, who are looking for a successor to Thomas Tuchel.
On the pitch, Liverpool are well-placed to secure quadruple to round off Klopp's final season. They have already won the Carabao Cup and remain in strong contention for the Premier League, Europa League and FA Cup.
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